Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Strategy for getting xmas shopping done?!

72 replies

Piccalino3 · 31/08/2021 19:19

Over the years I've tried various strategies for getting the shopping done early, I'm not a last minute shopper but it always goes on later than I'd like. I've long given up the notion that I'm going to enjoy wrapping and card writing by the twinkly lights of the tree, because if I leave it that late I end up pulling nights till 2am in December desperate to go to bed, surrounded by tape, scissors lost under the bits of paper and then too grumpy to enjoy a lot of the festivities I look forward to.

With this thought in mind I would LOVE to have everyone's presents (apart from my kids and maybe DH) bought and wrapped by Dec 1st. This is the goal. I have little time as will be starting a new job in Sept and my kids are young.

I have 45 people to buy for so that's a lot of presents, I will look who I can cut out again but it'll probably only be a few. This year I thought if I make a list and start by choosing one present a day I could be done end of Oct, leaving Nov for wrapping, sending international packages and card writing, then Dec to largely do things I actually want to do.

No idea if this is actually achievable. Does anyone else have any methods that work for getting things done early? I find it hard to get inspiration early and quite like to see the things and catalogues released closer to Christmas but this really doesn't work for my stress levels. I'm determined it's going to be different this year and moving forwards!

OP posts:
Piccalino3 · 31/08/2021 23:29

I'll read through these properly tomorrow but take aways for when I sit down with my planner are: see who I can cull, group people into groups - kids age x get x (I do usually try this but often fail because I end up looking for the perfect gift).

Part of my problem is I always have at least one or 2 preschoolers with me. This year I'll just have a 2 year old which will make it a little easier and I'll be working on London a few days so perhaps can squeeze in some shopping after work!

Lots of good tips here. Will grab a notepad tomorrow and start jotting them down. Given me some motivation here.

OP posts:
StarryStarrySocks · 31/08/2021 23:37

If you don't know someone well enough to know what they would like as a present, don't buy them a present!

Runnerduck34 · 31/08/2021 23:40

My aim is always to have everything bought and wrapped by 1st December and every year I'm still wrapping on Xmas eve.
Maybe this year will be better...
I always have a list on either a spreadsheet or in a notebook.
Trouble is DC change their minds a lot so can't start too early.
Over the past few years the number of people I buy for has reduced which in one way reduces pressure but also means DC now only gets presents from us and a couple of others which adds pressure for us to provide presents for them!

Piccalino3 · 31/08/2021 23:43

@StarryStarrySocks what I meant by that was not that I don't know specifics. For example if I ask the parent of a child I buy for they'll say 'oh just get a book' or 'whatever you think'. Same with friends. I know what they like but a thoughtful present does take some hunting down. It's not like my own kids who can give me a list!

OP posts:
Piccalino3 · 31/08/2021 23:45

@Runnerduck34 I totally get that. My kids have no grandparents and because of that I buy for some people I would like to cut out just so they have the experience of getting presents from other people. My own guilt (not my fault) leads to more work for me!

OP posts:
RealHousewifeofBarnardCastle · 31/08/2021 23:46

I’m always finished by late November. I do all of it online in one go, usually at a hair appointment.

As I’m buying I make a note of the person and what I’ve got them in a list.

As items arrive I write ARRIVED next to them on my notes (on my iPad)

I do stockings for DC plus quite a few things for dh and in total have about 20 people to buy for.

Tooembarrassingtomention · 31/08/2021 23:47

45 people is ridiculous. Do you get 45 lots of stuff back?

The money, the planet

Tooembarrassingtomention · 31/08/2021 23:55

I culled and culled again

No-one over 18 except my own children, their spouses and our parents

I buy for :
ds, dd and partner -cash plus gifts
6 neices/nephews under 18- cash plus small gift/s.
My parents, DH parents

Plus a stocking for anyone here on Christmas morning

13 people. It feels like too many. Each gift is individual , I don’t see the point of giving a gift that is generic. Gift need to be something personal that makes your heart flutter when you open it

GrettaGreen · 01/09/2021 00:17

[quote Piccalino3]@Runnerduck34 I totally get that. My kids have no grandparents and because of that I buy for some people I would like to cut out just so they have the experience of getting presents from other people. My own guilt (not my fault) leads to more work for me![/quote]
^These people need to go. I bet they also want to cull you and yours but don't want to cause upset especially if they know your kids don't have as many people to buy them.

olidora63 · 01/09/2021 00:25

Just get presents for immediate family…I really genuinely think that other people only get presents because they feel it is expected…just be honest 💕

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 01/09/2021 00:54

problem is I don't know what many of the people on my list want so I really have to route around to find something that they'd like. It's not a case of asking either because they wouldn't say or don't know themselves
You are a generous soul but This is insane. Be generous to yourself.
You have become a Christmas SLAVE.
Think of the process,
the planning,
the cost, 45 x £10 -£20 each is a £450-£900 !!
the time spent researching into gifts
and pleading with people who can’t even be arsed to give you an idea of what they want
The searching
The deciding
The queuing
The purchasing
The wrapping
The delivery
WHO is putting as much effort into you?????
I’m angry on your behalf because this is on top of everything else you do and all the other Christmas prep I bet you do
And you are already worrying about this self run charitable organisation IN AUGUST
Please just stop!
I perceived my own Christmas Slave role when I realised I’d spent all my maternity pay on DHs demanding and never satisfied family’s Xmas.
The best thing I EVER did was email everyone involved to say that I would only be buying gifts for DH, my DC and my DNieces.
There was an outcry but it also meant they didn’t have to seek out crap presents for us either so they all agreed. It made such an enormous difference. Really reduced the Christmas stress!
I spent more on my DC and DH on things I knew they wanted (no more fruitless research!!!) and I also buy myself a gift. They were more than happy with the situation.
Your life and your resources and your time is worth so much more than all of this chasing around. How many recipients even remember what you gave them two years ago.
If you told everyone now you could be free to put your efforts into enjoyable Xmas days out with your DC, something you have much less time for if you are running around buying 45 presents

Invasionofthegutsnatchers · 01/09/2021 05:25

Don't buy for your children's friends. They most likely get far too many gifts from their own parents and extended family anyway.

If you have a group of adult friends whom you buy for, why not decide to go out for drinks together in the new year instead? Something to look forward to and quality time spent together rather than stuff changing hands.

Notstandinguptoday · 01/09/2021 06:34

You need to figure out what to buy and make your list. It can be easier to choose a theme (all books, boots 3-4-2, smellies….) or work to a formula (eg kids get a selection box and pjs, adults get wine and a book) But figuring out who is getting what is the biggest chunk of work.

Don’t wait until you’re out shopping - research online. And better yet buy online too.

Would you consider wrapping as you go? It’s an awful lot easier on the back. Just be sure you stick a name tag on everything and store everything in a suitcase or sturdy box where it won’t be handled again until December.

HungryHippo11 · 01/09/2021 06:53

Seriously, cut down the list.

DCs friends: buy them all the same token gift.
Family and friends: speak to them, maybe they are feeling the same and you can just stop buying for each other. I was getting my sister in law a £20 voucher each year and she was getting me the same. So we just stopped.
We could all do with spending less and buying less stuff.

HungryHippo11 · 01/09/2021 06:56

[quote Piccalino3]@Runnerduck34 I totally get that. My kids have no grandparents and because of that I buy for some people I would like to cut out just so they have the experience of getting presents from other people. My own guilt (not my fault) leads to more work for me![/quote]
Whose fault is it then? Is someone else making you feel guilty because it doesn't sound like it. Its not your responsibility to help other people's kids "experience of getting presents from other people".

thelionqwueen · 01/09/2021 07:12

Out of curiousity, how many gifts do you receive yourself?

Tooembarrassingtomention · 01/09/2021 08:19

@Notstandinguptoday

You need to figure out what to buy and make your list. It can be easier to choose a theme (all books, boots 3-4-2, smellies….) or work to a formula (eg kids get a selection box and pjs, adults get wine and a book) But figuring out who is getting what is the biggest chunk of work.

Don’t wait until you’re out shopping - research online. And better yet buy online too.

Would you consider wrapping as you go? It’s an awful lot easier on the back. Just be sure you stick a name tag on everything and store everything in a suitcase or sturdy box where it won’t be handled again until December.

But isn’t that just generating tat? Does anyone really want a boots for 2 gift? Do you open one and think this is amazing just what I wanted or do you think it’s deodorant in a box given out of misplaced obligation by someone who doesn’t care enough (or hasn’t got enough time) to get a thoughtful present

One thing we learned from lockdown us that we don’t need stuff. We are destroying our planet besides anything else.

BiddyPop · 01/09/2021 09:05

It's hard to cull the list...mine is just over 50 and I have tried over the years.

I have a list. I start around now looking through what I have in my "gift box" of things to regift (to other side of the family or not family - and that recipient would enjoy), and start ticking off people that way.

I try and buy 1 a week from now (I do a Holiday Grand Plan from end August to clean house top to toe, decorate, and otherwise prepare for the entire Christmas season). I have a few overseas ones that I have started trying to find local stores to them that wrap and deliver.

For the "bottle of champers" people, I try and go to a good wine merchant in the autumn for both nice bottles to gift and nice wine for Christmas for our house (I get 2 really nice bottles for Dh and I for Christmas Day - we might open the 2nd if we are enjoying it so much, but often it's left for another time, but I don't mind spending more than usual for something we would enjoy).

Also, I will be ordering good hot chocolate mix from an artisan supplier we've used for years for here, and add posh hot choc (lump of chocolate on a wooden spoon) stirrers for various DCs to make "just" a book or small toy more special.

I love a good browse in a good bookshop for books for DCs especially, and often find good ones for adults too. So set aside a couple of lunch breaks to visit a good one near work in Oct/Nov usually. And come back laden down.

There are a few craft fairs locally in early December that can be useful - sometimes I see things for someone I've already bought for, but might buy anyway and add 1 of the options to the gift box in storage for the next time instead.

Family hampers (movie night incl dvd, popcorn and snacks; games night board game, deck cards, extra dice, snacks; saw an Ice cream sundae bar idea recently of all the toppings to add and nice bowls) can be nice sometimes. I tend to give them 1 year and individual presents again the next, not every year unless they really react positively to it.

And sometimes individual hampers focused on their interests are good - small but n ice versions of useful items, and things related to that interest that get used up etc. So someone who sees might be a small scissors, magnetic pin holder abs extra pins, set of fat quarters and a matching thread/2, handful of nice trimmings etc. Or a baker maybe some precut liners for tins, a few nice cutters in different shapes, interesting essences or colours for icings etc. Similar for a gent - could do golf with disposable hand warmers, tees, golf balls and a small club towel or covers for the woods; a set of different whiskey miniatures with some funky shaped ice cube makers and some bar snacks or a really nice glass; etc. Eco themed for teens or young adults could be good.

And setting aside a couple of evenings in early December to do the wrapping, have plenty of supplies of paper/tape/tags, ribbons or decorations, etc - and also bags. Gift bags might be useful to wrap. But also have a bag (paper shopping bag is fine) to put together all presents for a family or group as you do them. Makes it easy when it comes to packing for post, dropping off to houses, bringing to gatherings or grabbing as you dash to school on last day...etc.

Just because you find a cool thing on 1 website, doesn't mean you can't buy a few and use it for different people in different parts of the list - so a particular lovely scarf could do a lady in your family, another in DHs family, and a great friend - in colours to suit each recipient - but all the same and just 1 order. Especially if there's an offer on buying more than 1. Even if you don't like repeats generally, doing it for different groups on the list mean others won't see the repeats.

Apologies for any typos as doing this on my phone.

Ragwort · 01/09/2021 09:12

I agree with others, seriously just cull your list.

I love Christmas, I enjoy the festive season and meeting family and friends and sharing nice meals and time together etc but we have all massively cut back on gifts ... surely no one needs or wants to receive so many gifts?

We only give to under 18s in our family and that just means a round of £20 notes changing hands Grin. I am now down to just one under 18 ... everyone was relieved when we stopped exchanging gifts.

Maybe I am very fortunate in that there is nothing I want or need ... I don't need a scarf, mug, jewellery, chocolates/wine prefer to choose my own, books, etc etc. Incidentally I run a charity shop and we are inundated with unwanted Christmas gifts every January .... some even with just a tear in the gift wrap so clearly the recipient has not even opened it properly but decided they don't want it. Such a huge waste of money, time and resources - although good for my charity shop - assuming I can sell it Grin.

nocutsnobuttsnococonuts · 01/09/2021 09:39

I know lots have said but 45 is a crazy number of people to buy for! I just can't imagine that.

You need to get yourself over to the christmas bargain thread, lots of lovely ideas at a decent price too!

And don't feel bad about them not giving/receiving with lots of people. My kids get gifts from us, my mum, my sister and DH parents and 2 brothers. Even they then feel overwhelmed by stuff.

I know lots have already suggested grouping people, im doing that this year with neices/nephew. They are getting a £10 iTunes voucher and a selection box. We don't see them often enough to know their interests and they are getting older (13, 10, 9) and I just don't have time this year for extra thinking. Previous years an adult colouring book and nice pens. Then another year note book and set of gel pens went down really well. Soon the back to school supplies will be reduced so arty bits will be cheap. Works well for most age ranges, and will be used up so no clutter! Everyone can use notebooks, pens, pencils even if they are for school. Or a nice set of lunch boxes/bag (favourite character/animal) with some of their favourite treats in. Older teens maybe cans of fizzy, interesting sweets.

Invasionofthegutsnatchers · 01/09/2021 10:27

Hampers are a good idea but dvds are a bit passe now aren't they? We just stream everything. Maybe cinema vouchers could go in a movie hamper though.

BiddyPop · 01/09/2021 11:05

I see you mention being in London a few days for work. If you KNOW you will have a couple of those, use the first for market research and others for purchasing. If any uncertainty (either on trips or potential supply in store), purchase as you see. (Purchase as you see is generally wise anyway once you have a list on phone or in notebook in bag to tick off).

Also, I would suggest doing some internet research before your trips - what good looking (unusual, quirky, not available locally or massive branches with better stock) shops will be either on your route between work destination and transport link (train station, car park, etc), or how could you make a route work to add in some good shops by making a small detour?

If you have space in a bag, and there is a shop with items that would be small, popping in on the way TO the London work place would be a good idea - if you have a few minutes in the morning. As they are likely to be much quieter. (Also a good option for any scouting trips even if items would be too bulky to get until going home - you'll see things better and quicker when it's quiet, and can go straight to what you want to buy on your way home).

BiddyPop · 01/09/2021 11:09

Also - for any Nov birthdays, could you link the presents for birthday and christmas?

And a trip to a good Christmas department/store could reveal lots of really lovely decorations that are unusual - you could get a lot of people, especially the more "bottle of champers" type, a lovely decoration for their tree instead.

Window1 · 01/09/2021 16:16

Thanks for this post, kicked me into gear to at least write a list of joint presents an led my own present buying list which is a start at least.

Don't like giving money or vouchers but considering it as a possibility for this year.

Also have a few where children numbers within families are growing so thinking about some form of joint gift.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 01/09/2021 17:16

@Invasionofthegutsnatchers

Don't buy for your children's friends. They most likely get far too many gifts from their own parents and extended family anyway.

If you have a group of adult friends whom you buy for, why not decide to go out for drinks together in the new year instead? Something to look forward to and quality time spent together rather than stuff changing hands.

This is such a good idea, meeting up with friends and spending time together. It would mean so much more. And you'd have the time too, if you weren't setting December days aside to wrap all the presents.

There are some very kind and generous people on this thread and I think it's lovely how much you care about those around you, but I still think it's are crazy to keep using your time and energy facilitating this exchange of gifts, many of which sound like stuff that people don't really want or need.

It's all about obligation. Why do you feel obliged to keep doing it? If you are buying for 45 or more people, surely that is a very unequal distribution of labour. Why does it all fall on you? It just feels like you are being taken for granted.
I remember the sweat inducing anxiety of waiting to see if whether the person liked their present or not and just feeling terrible and guilty when it was the wrong colour or not well received, because of the extra extra importance of delivering the cast iron perfect Christmas. And somehow that's the fault of the present giver.

Perhaps focussing energies on individual birthdays it would make more sense, and have more impact on the birthday person.